Troy holds JRL Leadership Conference

 Troy University and the City of Troy collaborated to hold the 22nd annual John Robert Lewis Leadership Conference on Troy’s main campus on Feb. 6 and 7. This event aimed to promote multicultural collaboration, strengthen relationships and empower leaders, as this year’s theme was “Legacy.”  

On Friday, Feb. 6, Dr. Dionnne Rosser-Mims, vice chancellor of Troy University’s Montgomery campus, delivered the opening address, focused on legacy and the importance of our history. 

Quang Le

A speaker takes the podium at the JRL Leadership Conference

“You can't lead effectively if you don't understand where you've come from,” Rosser-Mims said. “We must know our history.  

“You can't erase it, but we're making history now. We are leaders, but we need you to step up and lead.” 

According to Rosser-Mims, she is committed to engaging local leadership, focusing on the unique needs of Montgomery and meeting those needs by becoming a stronger partner with the city. 

Furthermore, this event’s emphasis on multicultural collaboration and inclusive leadership was an important topic of conversation at the opening address. 

“Ensuring that the room represents the myriads of perspectives that are out there is important.,” Rosser-Mims said, “I don't feel that I'm an effective leader if the room is not representative of the people we serve.” Rosser-Mims 

In addition to strengthening leadership skills, this conference provided an opportunity to network and form connections within the community. 

“The first touch points are happening right now, so, as students are showing up, some folks are just naturally getting together and just talking,” said Dr. Napoli, executive director of the Institute for Leadership Development. “That's how relationships form when it comes to leadership.” 

As for the second day of the event, attendees were divided into breakout groups, some designed for students and some designed for more senior leaders. 

Troy alumnus and Dothan, Alabama, native Sean Freeman, an actor, singer and dancer, served as the luncheon keynote speaker following these sessions.  

In an interview with Troy Public Radio (TPR) before his keynote address, Freeman described himself as an untraditional leader. He said he’s had to develop a unique skillset for his work in the performing artswhile still incorporating some of the traditional leadership characteristics such as respect and communication.  

Freeman also noted the importance of legacy in his TPR interview. 

“You are not leading on your own,” Freeman said in an interview with TPR. “You stand on the shoulders of those who came before you.”